Children’s Aid to partner with G20 security

June 25, 2010

Jesse McLean and Jayme Poisson

STAFF REPORTERS

A PROTESTER’S TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR KIDS TO A RALLY

The internet is rife with tips for taking children to a protest. According to blogger Kirsten Anderberg, “protests are important classrooms for all people, adults and children.” If you’re going to be bringing your children to a rally, some tips include:

Talking to your kids about what to expect. Police in riot gear can be a scary sight and large crowds can be overwhelming.

Be sure to have food, water, a first aid kit and wipes on-hand

Dress your children appropriately. That includes a hat and sunscreen.

Make sure you have a support system of one to two childless friends who can look out for your child as well.

As soon as you get to a protest, devise a contingency plan. Scan for exits, bathrooms and a safe place to meet in the case of separation. If things get hectic, get out.

Bandanas soaked in vinegar can help ease the affects of tear gas or pepper spray.

A bike helmet with all the holes taped up can help protect against flying debris.

Children react to trauma differently than adults. If you’re child is exposed to noxious fumes or injured in any way, take them to a medic immediately.

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Children may be out at G20 protests this week. And in case they get separated from their caretakers, Toronto’s Children’s Aid agencies are ready.

The city’s four Children’s Aid societies – including the associated Jewish, Native and Catholic agencies – are working closely with the G20’s security.

The partnership will make sure a Children’s Aid worker is available to police 24-hours-a-day in the case they are needed, said Meaghan Gray of the Integrated Security Unit.

“I don’t think we’re expecting lots of missing children but we’re planning for any eventuality,” she said.

“In the unfortunate situation where we have to make an arrest of a parent or caregiver where the child’s there, we have to make sure the interests of the child are looked after.”

Some of the planned demonstrations may also draw families, she said, and children could get separated in the large crowds.

“I have heard conflicting numbers about children (being separated) in Pittsburgh,” said David Fleming, an intake director at Toronto’s Children’s Aid Society, referring to the G20 Summit held in September of 2009.

“So we have to be prepared.”

This is the first time police have coordinated a partnership with the city’s four Children’s Aid agencies at the same time, Gray said.